My Top 5 Favorite Locations for Family Photos in the Catskills & Hudson Valley

When I survey the families I photograph, one of the biggest concerns they have when scheduling their family photos is ' where to have it'. This is so funny to me, because as a professional photographer, location scouting is actually a significant part of my job. In fact, each year I strive to add one new, fantastic location to my list.

Of course, we all have our favorite spots. For me, what makes a spot perfect for family photography is a mixture of accessibility, light, location, parking and how safe it is for little kids.

So here are my top 5 favorite (public) spots for family sessions in the Catskills & Hudson Valley (addresses and all - no gatekeeping here!)

#5: Long Dock Park, 23 Long Dock Rd, Beacon, NY 12508

What I love most about this location is the wide variation of backdrops we get here. From nature trails, rocky beaches, piers and meadows, Long Dock Park has it all. What makes it more special is that it shines in any season. The tall grasses are perfect in the fall, sandy beaches in the summer, wildflowers in the spring, and the backdrop of the Hudson River makes it visually interesting even in the winter. Long Dock is a perennial favorite for this family photographer, especially when I'm working with my lower Hudson Valley family clients.

#4: Moodna Viaduct, 180 Orrs Mills Rd, Salisbury Mills, NY 12577

Easy to find? Check. Incredible light? Check. Rolling hills? Check? Mountain view? Check check check check. Oh, and if you have a train loving kiddo - we're golden. The Moodna Viaduct in Salisbury Mills is such a unique an interesting choice, many families choose it again and again because there's so much to see and do there.

#3 Knapp's View 1603 Kings Hwy, Chester, NY 10918

I know I'm not alone here because this is one location where I consistently see other photographers at work. And believe it or not, that's not even an issue. Knapp's View is so expansive that we don't even get in one another's way. What's so great about this spot is that it's one of the few public locations I know of where you can get high up enough to enjoy the last drops of the golden hour sunset, and transition into some beautiful blue hour lighting. Add in the fact that we're looking at a public park, with lots of parking, off a major road, but set back enough so you don't have to stress about your kids. I'd say we hit the jackpot with this one.

#2 Thorn Preserve 55 John Joy Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498

Heading in the opposite direction, Thorn Preserve in Woodstock has probably the most breathtaking view of Overlook Mountain you could imagine. In the spring the field fills with wildflowers which turn to puffy milkweed cotton in the fall. It's an incredibly beautiful year round location, especially for families who are in the mid Hudson Valley or eastern Catskills region. That said, the families who choose this location are willing to drive any distance because it really is that special.

#1 Your Home

Sorry. I know this feels like a cop out, but as a family photographer who is genuinely interested in telling your story, my favorite sessions take place at your home and in your yard. This is where you're building your family. This is where your story begins. And while it's corny to say, it's true. Your home, those walls, the yard, gardens, the weeds, all of it, are a part of your story. I encourage all of my families to at least one, choose their home or backyard as the location for their family photos. I promise, the photos we make there are going to grow exponentially more meaningful with each passing year.